Maple Syrup Operation Tours

Schedule a visit to the farm, tour the operation, and learn the basics of making maple syrup, from tapping trees to finishing syrup.

Course Description:

Visit the farm and learn the basics of making tree syrups. Develop skills related to identifying and tapping trees, harvesting and processing sap, and finishing maple syrup. Understand how the health of the land is intrinsically tied to the health of the people and how Iowa’s natural history plays an important role in preserving and rebuilding this connection. 

Learning Objectives

  • Demonstrate the ability to identify maple trees and other trees that can be tapped for syrup
  • Demonstrate an understanding of techniques for harvesting and processing sap for making syrup
  • Be exposed to techniques for filtering and jarring finished syrup.
  • Be exposed to topics related to Iowa’s unique natural history and how it influences the distribution and diversity of organisms on the landscape. 
  • Be exposed to topics related to sense of place and the importance of acting locally.
  • Demonstrate the ability to have fun 

Overview:

A farm tour is a great introduction to making maple syrup on the hobby/sideliner scale. Keep in mind this is a working operation and your visit will be structured around the necessary tasks that day. The tour will be most entirely outside and is weather dependent. Tours can be completed most anytime during the maple syrup season (Sunday March 1st-unknown) and are during daylight hours. (Saturdays are not available for tours) Inquire for more information. (319) 830-8632

Location:

Contact for more info

Duration:

Tours last an hour or more.

Tuition:

Donation based. Recomended 10$/person or 30$/family.

For an additional fee visitors may leave with the necessary hardware to tap their own tree (inquire about availability). 

***Prices listed are a guideline for organizations and private persons looking to book an event. Many organizations have their own pricing structures, and these organizations are encouraged to follow their own business model. Tuition is available on a sliding scale for persons unable to afford this course. Please contact me for more information.